The Royal Library / Royal Profiles
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
Explore Meghan’s path from acting to royal life and the independent work she pursues with Harry.
Early Life and Education
Meghan was born and raised in Los Angeles. She graduated from Northwestern University in 2003 with a double major in theater and international studies.
Acting Career and Suits
Meghan worked in film and television before becoming best known for playing Rachel Zane on Suits. She also created and edited the lifestyle website The Tig before ending her acting career and closing the site ahead of royal life.
Meeting and Marrying Prince Harry
Harry and Meghan’s relationship became public in 2016. They married at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, on May 19, 2018. On their wedding day, Harry became Duke of Sussex and Meghan became Duchess of Sussex.
Work as a Working Royal
During her period as a working royal, Meghan supported causes including the arts, education, women’s employment and animal welfare. Her projects included work with the Hubb Community Kitchen and the Together cookbook.
Archie and Lilibet
Harry and Meghan’s children are Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex. Both are included in the line of succession through their father.
Stepping Back From Royal Duties
In 2020, Harry and Meghan stepped back from senior working royal duties. A subsequent review confirmed they would not return as working members of the Royal Family. Meghan remained Duchess of Sussex; titles, family membership and working status are distinct.
Independent Work
After leaving working royal duties, Harry and Meghan developed charitable and media projects outside the institutional monarchy, including work through Archewell. These activities are private rather than official Crown duties.
With Love, Meghan and As ever
Meghan returned to television in 2025 with the Netflix lifestyle series With Love, Meghan. She also developed As ever, a lifestyle brand. These are private commercial projects, not Royal Family initiatives.
Returning to Britain
In August 2026, Harry, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet returned to Britain after six years based primarily in California. In September, King Charles formally reaffirmed that Harry and Meghan remain non-working royals and that their charitable and commercial activities are undertaken in a private capacity.
Is Meghan Still the Duchess of Sussex?
Yes. Meghan remains Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Her departure from working royal duties did not remove the dukedom granted to Harry by Queen Elizabeth II when the couple married.
Is Meghan a Princess?
Meghan is a princess through marriage to Prince Harry, but her principal public title is Duchess of Sussex. She is not formally styled Princess Meghan.
Is Meghan in the Line of Succession?
No. Marriage to someone in the line of succession does not place a spouse in the succession. Harry, Archie and Lilibet are included; Meghan is not.